Welsh food and drink producers have secured almost 200 Great Taste awards in the 2026 competition, providing another showcase for the range of products being made across the country. The latest published results identify 199 award-winning products from Wales, comprising 129 one-star awards, 37 two-star awards and eight three-star awards. The competition attracted more than 15,000 entries from 3,919 companies across 116 countries.
There is a discrepancy between published Welsh sources: the Welsh Government's Food & Drink Wales announcement currently records 169 Welsh award-winning products, comprising 125 one-star, 36 two-star and eight three-star awards. Later reporting from Business News Wales and Nation.Cymru gives the higher total of 199, with a corresponding increase in the one- and two-star figures. The eight three-star awards are consistent across the sources.
For the purposes of the overall 2026 results, the more detailed later figure of 199 is used here.
Eight Welsh products reach the highest rating
Eight Welsh products received the competition's highest three-star recognition.
Among them are Passion Fruit Sorbet from Fire and Ice, 100% Grass-fed Leg of Welsh Lamb from Hindwell Farm Meats and Enchilada Paste from Kursat's. All three have also been nominated for the Great Taste Golden Fork from Wales, with the regional winner due to be announced at the Golden Fork Awards in London on 15 September.
The three-star rating is awarded to products judged by Great Taste as "exquisite and extraordinary". Only 306 products from the more than 15,000 entries achieved three stars across the competition, equivalent to around 2% of all entries.
The Welsh nominations illustrate the variety of products being produced in the country. The list includes Welsh lamb alongside a sorbet and an internationally influenced cooking ingredient.
Recognition for established and independent producers
The awards have also provided recognition for businesses working across a broad range of Welsh food and drink categories.
Ceredigion-based Caws Teifi Cheese received three two-star awards for Teifi Heritage, Celtic Promise and Teifi Mature. Wrexham-based Tired Mums Coffee received both a one-star and two-star award for its coffee products.
Other Welsh businesses recognised in the 2026 results include Melys, whose Triple Choc Brownie received three stars, Blasus Welshcakes, whose Penderyn Whisky Welshcake was among the recognised products, and Ty Cynan Farm, which received recognition for its Elderflower Cordial.
The results therefore extend well beyond the food categories most commonly associated with Wales. Cheese, lamb and baking are represented alongside coffee, sorbets, sauces and other specialist products.
How Great Taste judging works
Great Taste is organised by the Guild of Fine Food, with products assessed through a blind-tasting process.
More than 800 industry experts took part in this year's judging across locations including London, Dorset, Ireland and Italy. Products were presented without their branding and packaging, with judges considering taste first, followed by factors including appearance, aroma, texture and mouthfeel.
The process means that the product itself is the primary focus of the judging rather than the reputation of the producer or the appearance of its packaging.
For independent Welsh producers, that provides a form of external recognition that can be used alongside their existing reputation and customer relationships.
Wales still has another award to contest
The Great Taste results will continue to provide a Welsh angle in September when the Golden Fork Awards take place.
The three Welsh three-star products shortlisted for the Golden Fork from Wales will compete for the regional title, with the winner then progressing into the wider competition for the Great Taste Supreme Champion award.
For Welsh producers, the 2026 results already represent substantial recognition. They also offer a useful snapshot of the breadth of the country's food and drink industry - from traditional Welsh products to newer and more specialist businesses.
Sources
Food & Drink Wales - Welsh food and drink shine in Great Taste Awards 2026
Business News Wales - Great Taste 2026 Award Winners From Wales Announced
Nation.Cymru - Welsh food and drink producers celebrate Great Taste Awards success
Guild of Fine Food - Great Taste awards
